Patent GB-191632-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in and relating to fare indicators for vehicles
IPC: G07B13/00
Filed: 1922-02-04
Abstract: 191,632. Bruhn, F. W. G. Feb. 4, 1922. Taximeters; flag and setting-spindle mechanism. -A fare indicator for a vehicle is provided with means controlled by a train of gearing driving a fly, which locks the setting-spindle of the indicator against movement for a short time after it has from being moved to " disengaged " position; devices are also provided to prevent the spindle from being to moved to " disengaged " position without a stop at " cash " position and for preventing return to " disengaged position after an incomplete movement to " engaged position. The setting-spindle d which is operated by the signal c is normally maintained in disengaged position or in one of three tariff positions by a cam-member f secured to the spindle and engaged by a roll g' on a spring-controlled lever g. The spindle also carries a disc e provided with oppositely set teeth e<1>, e<2> adapted to be engaged respectively by pawls m<1>, m<2> on a lever m that brings the one or the other pawl into operative position according to which side of a projection on a spring-held lever n a roll m<3> on the end of the lever m engages. In the operation of setting the signal c to any tariff a pin m<4> on the lever m is engaged by a projection k on a disc i secured to the setting spindle and the lever m is moved to the position shown in Fig. 3 in which the signal can be moved freely between the three tariff positions, the pawl m<2> riding idly along the edge of the disc e. On moving the signal back to " disengaged " position the setting spindle is locked in this position by the pawl m<2> engaging the teeth e' until the lever m is reversed by a slowly moving lever q which is set in operation when the setting spindle reaches its disengaged position. The lever q which is passed towards the lever m by a spring q<2> is mounted on the same pivot as a ratchet wheel p<3> driving a fly p<2> through a train of gearing. A pawl q<1> is secured to the lever q so that in counterclockwise movement of the lever the fly is driven through the train. The lever q has a curved projection q<3> and carries a dog q<4> both of which are adapted to be forced by the spring q<2> into a recess in an annular flange on the disc i when the spindle reaches " disengaged" position. Immediately the recess is opposite the dog q<4> the lever q commences its counterclockwise movement driving the fly p<2>. After it has moved some distance it engages the pin m<4> on the lever m and reverses the position of this lever lifting the pawl m<2> from and bringing the pawl m<1> into engagement with the disc e. The spindle is then freed to be moved into its " engaged " position, the pawl m<1> preventing its return after an incomplete movement towards this position. In the movement of the spindle towards the " engaged " position the curved edge of the projection q<3> is engaged by the edge of the recess in the disc i and the lever q is forced backwards to the position shown in Fig. 3. Means is provided to prevent the spindle being moved quickly from " engaged '' to " disengaged " position without a delay at the " cash " position. A pivoted dog r is passed by a spring r<1> towards the disc e but is normally held clear of it by a spring-actuated latch s which engages a stud r<2> on the dog. A tripping lever t which is held against a stop by a spring t<1> so that it can only yield upwardly is carried on the disc i and, as the latter is moved by the spindle in its passage to " disengaged " position, strikes and lifts the latch s from the dog. The dog then swings into a recess e<3> in the locking disc and thus holds the disc and spindle against rotation. On releasing the spindle it is moved in a clockwise direction by the engagement of the spring-pressed lever g with the cam member f. This movement forces the dog r outwards and resets the latch s, the tripping lever remaining above the latch. The spindle can then be moved to " disengaged " position. A visual indication is given when the spindle is at " cash " position by an appropriately marked plate u pivoted on the back of the casing and normally in the position shown in Fig. 4 but adapted to be lowered to come opposite an aperture in the front of the casing. This plate carries an arm v provided with a projection v<2> which engages the upper end of a prop w. Mounted on the prop is a spring- pressed latch x which can be turned freely by a stud y on the disc i on the movement of the latter towards " disengaged " position but is pushed aside with the prop on the reverse movement, thus permitting the plate u to be swung downward by a spring v<1>. When the spindle is again operated to move from " cash " to '" disengaged " position, the stud y engages the lever v lifting the plate u to its hidden position and permitting the prop w to move back to operative position under the action of a spring. Registering time and distance travelled between payment of fare and setting of flag to " disengaged " position. - To register the distance driven or the time spent while the spindle d is left in " cash " position counting trains 12, 21, Fig. 7, which are automatically clutched to the total distance and the total time counting trains 10, 17 of the indicator respectively when the spindle is in " cash " position are provided. The clockwork of the time train is arranged to be stopped by the brake 29 when the spindle moves past the "cash" position to "disengaged" position; a clutch device is provided to break the connection between the clockwork train and the fare recorded and checking device during the time the indicator is set at " cash."